Some of you thought I should have written this farewell column much earlier. More than two decades ago, a "fan" sent me the Kaufman one-liner above, suggesting I shove off.

But for 24 years — 1,282 uninterrupted weeks — I talked plainly with you in this space. Many of you talked back, agreeing or disagreeing. So I kept it up, for better or worse.

As a journalist, I had a wonderful window on the world. Sharing with you what I saw, and liked or didn't like, has been an awesome opportunity and responsibility.

Now the time has come to say goodbye. So this is my eulogy to you.

You helped make most of my life a lark. Kudos for the whole shebang.

Thanks to you on the prairies of my native South Dakota, where I spent the first 18 years of my life. To those on the beaches of Florida where I spent most of the last 24 years. To those in between, in all 50 states and on all six continents.

We often took the road less traveled. We often used maverick ways and sometimes wayward means. But we usually won. And we always had fun.

Many of you were very, very helpful as we traveled those highways and byways. You have my warmest thanks.

Some of you tried to put roadblocks in my way. But I thank you, too. You added spice to my life and kept me from getting bored.

Professionally, I was very lucky. In my personal life, even more fortunate.

To my dear, dear family members, young and old, I leave a legacy of limitless love. You gave me happiness far beyond the hope of any husband or father or grandfather.

Good luck and Godspeed to you all. See most of you again one of these years. But don't hurry and don't worry.

FEEDBACK:

"Al's love was limitless, as was his courage, kindness, determination and generosity. He lived his life to the fullest, and his legacy will live on through all who knew him."

-- Al Neuharth's family

"Al Neuharth, with his wry smile and that twinkle in his eye, is gone. His enterprising spirit and his devotion and loyalty to his friends will live on in memories."

-- Marilyn Hagerty, Neuharth's first editor at "The Volante," the University of South Dakota's student newspaper

"Get-it-first, but get-it-right journalism was the hallmark of our association. ... We were just two old editors looking for new challenges, and with the help of many bright young journalists, we found it in USA TODAY."

-- John Quinn, former USA TODAY editor in chief and longtime chief news executive for Neuharth

"Al was loyal to his people. He gave them what they needed to succeed, and when they did, he threw a helluva party."

-- Tom Curley, former USA TODAY publisher and former president of the Associated Press

"Al was the last of the great American newspaper publishers, as important in his own unique way as Hearst or Pulitzer, or the Graham or Sulzberger families. And he had a hell of a lot of fun while he did it. What a life! We won't see his like again."